Nepal is a country of great diversity. Though small, it contains a wide variety of climates, terrains, cultures, and people. Still, the reason most travelers make the effort to visit Nepal are the Himalaya mountains.

If your goal is to get into the high mountains, there is no better path than the trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary.

What to Expect

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a natural amphitheater created by a ring of high mountains. The centerpiece is Annapurna I at 8,091 meters (26,538 feet) which rises out of the glacier that extends from base camp, the trek’s highest point.

The mountain was the first of the 8,000 meter peaks to be climbed. However, this does not mean that it is a simple or safe task. The somber memorial to Anatoli Boukreev, who perished while attempting to summit the mountain in 1997, attests to the danger of ascending the peak. Don’t worry though, the trek does not approach the summit.

Though often added as an extension to the much longer Annapurna Circuit trek, the trip into the sanctuary can be done as an objective unto itself. The trek, which begins in Pokhara, usually takes between eight and ten days. This makes it an excellent option for those on a tight schedule.

Getting There and Back Again

The base for the trek is the lake-side town of Pokhara. Smaller and more relaxed than Kathmandu, Pokhara is a great place to prepare for a trek and is an even better place to refresh yourself after one.

Most travelers stay in one of the hotels within the “Lakeside” district. This area is roughly equivalent to Kathmandu’s Thamel, and offers dozens of shops, cafes, guest houses, and guide services. If you are looking for something a bit quieter, the neighboring “Damside” district offers many of the same amenities, with a greatly reduced density.

Travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara is well established and fairly straightforward. Options include a 30 minute flight, usually under $100 USD, or a variety of buses, ranging in price from $2 USD to $10 USD, taking anywhere from five to ten hours.

The trek itself begins from the small town of Nayapul, which is an hour’s bus or taxi ride from Pokhara.

Permits, Porters and Guides

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is largely contained within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a national park that covers 7,629 square kilometers. Entry into the park requires the purchase of an ACAP Entry Permit. The permit requires an application and two passport photos. It costs about $60 USD and can be obtained in a single day from offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

In addition to this permit, all trekkers in Nepal are now required to register for and obtain a card through the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). This new card has replaced the controversial TRC permit introduced in 2006 and is available for free through a trekking agency, the Nepal Tourism Board, or the Trekkers Agencies’ Association of Nepal. The card can be issued in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Although people still circumvent the system, trekkers are now required to hire at least one Nepali staff member (a porter or guide) per group.

Many independent travelers are initially upset by this proposition. However, almost everyone who finds a knowledgeable guide from a quality company comes away admitting that it improved the overall trekking experience.

One of the best trekking agencies in Nepal is 3 Sisters Adventure Treks. Based in Pokhara, the 3 Sisters provide responsible, well-trained, staff and manage several development projects throughout Nepal that help women and children.

What to Pack

Like most popular routes in Nepal, the Annapurna Sanctuary is a “teahouse trek.” Trails pass through villages, each with its own lodging. Camping gear like heavy sleeping bags, tents, and cook stoves are not required on this trail. As a result, trekkers can get by with fairly light loads.

Essential items include a flashlight or headlamp, at least two water bottles, a few changes of socks, several layers of clothing including a down jacket, sweater, and woolen hat and gloves, plus a waterproof / windproof jacket or parka.

While most teahouses provide quilts, it is a good idea to have your own sleeping bag, even if it is only a summer-weight one, as a supplement and in case an overbooked lodge has run out.

Even in the summer, the trek will take you through snow and ice and over some rough terrain. Bring a sturdy pair of boots, broken in before you arrive at the trail-head.

Also recommended is a tested and trusted backpack large enough to carry all of your belongings.

Other items to consider include sunscreen, candy bars, some form of water purification (if you are nervous or have a sensitive stomach), and a pair of sandals or light shoes to wear at the end of the day.

All kinds of mountain gear, of all qualities, can be purchased in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Dangers and Concerns

The trail into the Annapurna Sanctuary is well traveled and trekkers should not be overly concerned about danger. Rock and icefall is always a concern, especially at higher elevations in the spring.

If you are unsure of your ability to asses the conditions of an alpine environment, hiring an experienced guide is an excellent idea.

Of greater concern to most trekkers will be altitude sickness. One of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek’s greatest appeals–the fact that it quickly gets you into the high mountains–is also one of its greatest drawbacks. Pokhara lies at 941 meters (2,700 feet), while the Annapurna base camp sits at 4130 meters (13,550 feet). Climbing to this altitude in only five or six days is an invitation for altitude sickness.

Trekkers should take care to study the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness before they leave and adjust their pace accordingly once on the trail.

Resources

A trek in Nepal can be the trip of a lifetime but planning one can be daunting. Fortunately, there are some excellent resources.

One of the best general guides, even when compared to those in print, is available for free at Yetizone. The description of the Annapurna Sanctuary is included with the guide to the greater Annapurna Circuit and begins at day 16b of the itinerary.

Thanks for a great post and photos. The latter are stunning. I've been an armchair (wannabe?) mountaineer for years and have read just about every book on trekking/climbing in the Himalayas. So be safe, enjoy, and keep up the good work here.

J.L

Join 3 sisters on a trek to support the women team. Good business Ideas + Good community responsible to improve life for women and children. Dissappointed with the poor quality of service. Need more improvement. Advise: Interview Guide or Porter-Guide before engaged.

Jacqui Forte

Just found this site – WoW! and what a great article to read first – one of my dreams yet to be realised, but inching closer all the time – great article- GREAT site 🙂

I was recently trekking in Nepal’s Everest region and, while hiring guides is not compulsory there, the ethical thing seems to be to hire one if you can afford it. If you can afford to get there, you can are richer than any Nepali guide!

Meeting our guides and getting to know them while working alongside them on a community project was the best aspect of our adventure.

Contrary to what this author says, guides or porters are not required on Annapurna treks, we did this in Oct 2010 with all required permits, totally independently, Circuit and Sanctuary

Adhikari_s1986

Recently we returned from a four-day trek with a friend in the Annapurna Himalayan range. Boasting spectacular scenery, rugged terrain and extremely welcoming locals, I’ve never visited another place on earth like Annapurna.
Helping us get the most out of our trek was our friendly and knowledgeable guide Sanjib Adhikari, a specialist trekking guide and expedition organizer based in Thamel, the bustling heart of Kathmandu. He skillfully guided us across treacherous mountain passes, pointed out the rich variety of flora we passed and, in the evening after hiking, served our meals and played cards with us.
Knowing that there are quite a few other less capable and experienced guides than Sanjib, I’d certainly recommend him to other trekkers. His website is: http://www.nepalguideinfo.com sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com
977+98416138822

Nepalhiking2010

Sanjib Adikhari ist recomended 2011 by German trekkers Sabine and Frank from Berlin The ultimate compliment for Sanjib came from fellow trekkers we met along the way who remarked how lucky we were to have a guide so personable, knowledgeable and dedicated to us and our experience. We could not have agreed with them more. *We did a 21 day Annapurna circuit, Annapurna base camp trek and Langtang Valley trek and having never trekked this length before, we were both novices. It is without a doubt, that had our guide been anyone other than Sanjib, we would not have had nearly the rich, authentic and thoroughly enjoyable experience we did. When trekking with Sanjib we enjoyed: * honest, knowledgeable and sincere discussions regarding anything from Nepal’s history and current politics, local religions and culture history, to geography natural landscape and all Mountains Name * a sensitivity and sensibility to allow a good balance between conversation and respecting an individual or couple’s need for privacy * over 9 years of trekking guide experience * a respect for an individual’s desired pace and physical condition * an intimate knowledge of the best accommodations, tea stops and places of interest along the way, according to our own individual budget We would highly recommend any potential trekker in Nepal to enlist the services of Sanjib Adhikari. It is without a doubt that you will be richly rewarded if you do so Trek in Nepal his contact address is: sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com and his website : http://www.nepalguideinfo.com

Jagat Tamang

great

Anonymous

Welcome to Nepal,
I am Hari Chandra Nepal is an experience Independent trekking guide in Nepal Himalayas since 2002.I had been working with many reputed clients, in my working period I gain varieties of knowledgeable form my valuable clients.
Nepal is one of the best destination for to explore your holiday, we have trekking, climbing, hiking, nature safari and adventure activities.I organize all kinds of trip in Nepal on your desire.If you are planning to trek in Nepal in your holiday you are most welcome to trip in Nepal at life time adventure.

For contact:- http;//www.rajnepal.com.

Vishma Raj Nepal

Nepal Trekking Guide-www.rajnepal.com.
Annapurna base camp trek is famous for trekkers. The principal peaks of the western portion of the great Annapurna Himal, including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna, Ganagapurna, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare, are arranged almost precisely in a circle about 10 miles in diameter with a deep glacier-covered amphitheater at the center. From this glacier basin, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Modi Khola knifes its way south in a narrow gorge fully 12,000 ft. deep. Further south, the gorge opens up into a wide and fertile valley, the domain of the Gurungs. The middle and upper portions of Modi Khola offer some of the best short trekking routes in Nepal, and the valley is located so that these treks can be easily combined with treks into the Kali Gandaki region to the west.
In spite of the great heights of the surrounding peaks and ice walls, the valley floor between 12,000 and 14,000 ft. can provide comfortable camping spots in good weather.

Kabiraj Nepal

I highly recommend our guide Kabiraj for any adventures you undertaken in the mountains of Nepal. Kabiraj did everything to make our 10 day trek in the Annapurna Sanctuary one of those lifetime experiences. The sunrise on Poon Hill will forever bring a smile to my face. Kabiraj is incredibly knowledgeable of the surroundings, customs and heritage that we trekked through allowing us ever moment to engage and enjoy the mountains and people we were surrounded by. Fluent in English, kind and generous, Kabiraj was a real pleasure to be in the company of, making a lasting trust and spirit between us before even setting off. On route he even insured that at ever guest house we had the best view, best apple pie and ultimately a trek never to forget. Thank you so, and we will hope to see you again in the future. Paul and Jo.’
His contact : http://www.nepalguidetrekking.com/Annapurna-Region/trekking-in-annapurna-region.php.
Email: info@nepalguidetrekking.com
Again Kabi, thank you,
Paul and Jo.

Nepal Guide Trekking

Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal is one of the most popular trekking routes among them such as Annapurna region , Annapurna circuit, Annapurna base camp trek , Annapurna view trek , Everest region trek, Everest base camp trek, Everest view trek, Everest Gokyo trek , Everest Cho- La pass trekking , Langtang region , mustang trekking , Dolpo trek, Manaslu trek, kanchanjunga trek, villages tour trekking , home stay trekking, long trek & short trek also possible here , like Kathmandu valley trekking for one or two days .
The best time trek is from September to May . The first two month of the dry season ( October & November ) is the ideal period for trekking in Nepal. The mountain scenery is superb and the weather is still comfortably warm. December , January and February are still good months for trekking the cold can be bitter at high altitudes . March and May also offer better weather trekking in Nepal .
When trekkers can see superb wild flowers , particularly in Nepal’s beautifully rhododendron forests . During the monsoon ( June to August ) trekking is possible in the rainy season – shadow areas of north in the Himalayan like Annapurna circuit ,Manang valley , Dolpo, Mustang etc. these regions are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains and are unaffected by the monsoon as well as Restricted area trek is also possible .
Choosing your trekking there are two main styles of trek common in Nepal , Tea house trek and other one is camping treks.
Tea House trek : the popular routes for tea house including Annapurna Region , Langtang region and Everest region . These involve meals and overnight stays in modest accommodation at the tea house and Lodge during the trips . you are accompanied by a guide who leads the trek and porters who carry baggage and equipments.
The Camping trek: All food and camping equipment is taken with us, along with guides cooks and porters to take care of all the logistical details, set up camp and prepare delicious meals.
However, we arrange the adventure trips for group and individual clients too .http://www.nepalguidetrekking.com/Nepal-Trekking/trekking-in-nepal.php

Nepal Annapurna Trekking is one of the best trekking in Nepal 7 Asian country. Please you should try it yourself. view more trekking about Nepal at : http://www.amazing-himalaya.com/.
thank you.
Tej Panta

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We had a wonderful
experience in trekking with an independent trekking guide Mr. Sanjib
Adhikari who was very knowledgeable, friendly and motivated us to keep
trekking! The accommodations he arranged for us were very comfortable
and the food was great. We will definitely recommend him to our friends
and other travelers.